How to spot a fake?

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I am looking to purchase a Cousteau Diver but feel that I rather save some cents by purchasing pre-owned. Big question though is how to spot a fake Cousteau? There are always a few available on ebay but some reports by fake watch reviewers suggest that many IWC watches are so well made that its hard to see the difference.

Is an AD the only way to make sure to get the real deal or are there any tips to follow to make sure a piece you cant see/feel/touch until after payment is authentic?

you can generally compare a pic of the watch to the pics on the site and spot the differences. on the divers watch fakes i have seen there are usually huge differences on the hands and strap. other members will give you a more qualified answer but one way to go would be to post a pic of your intended watch here before you buy it and the members will advise on the watch's authenticity. stephen

Hi , I am in a similar dilemma I found an IWC I wont to purchase but its an old piece seller claims it's 1960's and its in such a good and original condition. is it possible that old vintage watches can be replicated ? Has anyone come across any fakes like this ? Also if you knew a real value of it and if it's not fake how much would it be worth .Thank You

Hi , I am in a similar dilemma I found an IWC I wont to purchase but its an old piece seller claims it's 1960's and its in such a good and original condition. is it possible that old vintage watches can be replicated ? Has anyone come across any fakes like this ? Also if you knew a real value of it and if it's not fake how much would it be worth .Thank You

I think the short answer is yes vintage watches can be faked, or sold as a "marriage" i.e. the original watch has non-original, after-market parts added/substituted.

------------Closeup pics of the dial, casing, movement would help, if u could share them here on this forum.

The case number and movement number will also assist greatly. For pocket watches, to see the movement number you would need to open up the back of the pocket watch, which a good watchmaker can do for you without harming the timepiece.

Erstwhile, these below can assist for vintage / older watches:DateYourIWC by case and movement number (I prefer the applet version at the bottom), created by Marco SchönenbergerVintage CatalogsInstructions found here on how you can also order an extract from IWC archives to verify authenticity.

Regards, Shing | email iwcforme1976 (at) gmail (dot) comtime does not change us. it just unfolds us. max frisch.all that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that. baltasar gracian.